The Baptist Comprehensive Breast Program is a first in the Mid-South. Combining advanced technology with intensive management brings complete care to each patient, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection of breast cancer.
The comprehensive program includes:
- 3-D Mammography (Breast Digital Tomosynthesis)
- Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)
- Breast Risk Management Clinic
- Low radiation dose, same as 2-D
3-D mammography, also known as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, gives Baptist doctors a detailed view of the breast tissue. Images are sliced, allowing doctors to see around and between tissue without any structures possibly obstructing a view of small tumors. In 2D mammography, breast cancers can be missed, because they are sometimes hidden behind normal but dense breast tissue. The 3D imaging technology is like being able to read each individual page of a closed book.
The 3-D technology is especially critical for the 50 percent of women who have dense breast tissue.
The three-dimensional technology advances care without compromising patient safety. It efficiently delivers higher image quality without increasing dosage as compared to 2-D mammography. The innovative technology relies on X-ray beam quality, reduced scattered radiation, and a fast, sensitive detector.
Using a low-dose, short X-ray sweep around the compressed breast with nine low-dose exposures, 3-D overcomes the limited clarity factors of 2-D mammography, potentially reducing the number of false positives. This lessens patient anxiety and the need for further biopsies.
The 2-D and 3-D exams are so similar a woman most likely won’t notice a difference at all. With the breast positioned the same, the only difference is a slight increase in time for breast compression with 3-D.
3-D mammography is now available at Baptist Women’s Health Center, Baptist Collierville, Baptist DeSoto, Baptist North Mississippi and NEA Baptist. To schedule an appointment, please call 227-PINK (7465) or visit mychart.baptistonline.org to make an appointment online.